Paula @ Gracefilled Moments As the festive season approaches, our calendars fill up with various engagements and responsibilities. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, often neglecting our own well-being. However, amidst the busyness, it is important to take a step back and intentionally cultivate moments of stillness that allow us to stop, pause, reflect, and refresh our souls and bodies.
I need refreshing friends. I’m tired. Besides being in my Seasonal Affective funk and a kicker of a fibromyalgia flair, my head is tired like there’s too much noise. I feel like I need to be quiet and still. I need to stop, pause, reflect and refresh. I like it here in the quietness of my bubble. Do you ever feel that way?
Scripture reminds us of the importance of rest and rejuvenation. In Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV), we read: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.” This Christmas season provides an opportunity for us to heed this invitation to nurture ourselves on the whole.
Encouragement
1. Stopping: In a world that constantly demands productivity and achievement, stopping can feel counterintuitive. However, taking intentional breaks allows us to recharge physically and mentally. Let’s carve out moments in our schedules for solitude— whether it’s through prayerful meditation or simply enjoying a cup of tea while observing nature’s beauty.
2. Pausing: Amidst the flurry of activities during Christmas preparations, let’s remember to pause regularly throughout each day. Pause before responding hastily or reacting impulsively in stressful situations. Pause to appreciate the small blessings that surround us— a warm smile from a loved one or the twinkling lights adorning our homes.
3. Reflecting: This season invites us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – Christ’s birth as God’s gift of love for humanity. Take time to ponder on God’s faithfulness throughout this year; acknowledge His grace in both joyful moments and trials faced along the way. Reflect on personal growth opportunities while seeking forgiveness where needed.
4. Refreshing: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This Christmas let’s take some time to care for ourselves by nourishing our physical health. Engage in activities that bring joy and rejuvenation, such as going for a walk in nature, practicing mindful exercise or enjoying wholesome and yummy meals with loved ones.
All In All
As we joyfully embrace the spirit and reason of Christmas, may we find solace and strength in these precious moments of stopping, pausing, reflecting, and refreshing. In our busy lives, it is vital to pause and appreciate the blessings that surround us. Let us take this opportunity to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas and allow our souls to be replenished by God’s boundless grace.
During this festive season, as we gather with loved ones and create cherished memories, may our bodies be invigorated for the journey that lies ahead. Let us recharge ourselves physically and mentally so that we can face the challenges of the coming year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with an abundance of peace that transcends all understanding, love that warms your heart, and blessings that overflow in every aspect of your life. May this season bring you joy, hope, and a sense of unity as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
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Thank you for another great link party! Wishing you a beautiful December!
You are so very welcome Melynda! Happy December back atcha.
Great thoughts, Paula. So many years, the Christmas season blazed by leaving me exhausted andc not very rfelective. Some physical issues, and now aging, have made it where I *have* to slow down and schedule down time. But I’ve come to appreciate that so much.
I hear you Barbara. I appreciate down time to as I *have* to slow down too.
I’m sorry you’re feeling weary, Paula. I hope you are able to gain refreshment these next few weeks as you slow down and savor the season. I’m recovering from another bout of Covid, so your words about intentionally pausing and resting really hit home right now. Many blessings to you this Christmas!
Oh dear Paula, you work so hard hostessing and connecting with all us appreciative bloggers. Please give yourself plenty of grace and space as you make your way through this challenging season.
Rest well, dear one. Sometimes silence and solitude are our finest companions. Especially now.
xo
Linda, your kind words touched me so. It’s my heartfelt pleasure to host all of you as you mean so much to me. I am allowing myself som grace and space and silence and solitude are my friends.
Thanks so much for your kind words Lois. I’m happy my words touched you and I wrote you in my physical journal for prayer for recovery. I had covid 2 years ago and my smell is just now starting to become normal again. ❤️
Thank you for the party. I am sorry you feel weary. I am always the opposite at Christmas. Everyone says they are so busy. Too busy to get together. “After the Holidays” they say. I am usually bored and lonely during the holidays wondering what is everyone so busy doing? I just don’t get it.
You are so welcome Amy. Huh, I wonder what everyone is so busy doing too.
Beautiful post that speaks truth. We need to slow down, take those moments to pause and restore ourselves. Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you so much Erin and your welcome dear friend.
Paula, thank you for hosting a wonderful linkup for fellow bloggers to join in and share. I think during the Christmas season we just need to be reminded what the season is truly about. Thank you for your encouraging words.
You are so welcome Steph and it’s my pleasure. You are so right we need to be reminded what the season is truly about.
Paula, thank you so much for hosting this wonderful party. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ll be back tomorrow to add my link party. I hope you will join us for it. 🙂
You are so very welcome Steph.
Yes, rest, sweet Paula. It’s advice I give to myself as well. When we feel weary, let’s pay attention and slow down. I have on my calendar a note to slow down and remain in the present.
Thank you so very much for your kind words sweet friend. That’s a good idea to put a reminder note on my calendar. I so appreciate you and your friendship.
Hi, Paula. I can not even imagine what you are experiencing with your fibromyalgia flair. I do know the tiredness and feeling weak during my cancer journey. One day at a time. Even one moment at a time. Listen to your body. Try to do my normal routines, but tweak them for the now. For example, I had to do at least two loads of laundry each day. I loved hanging my clothes on the outside clothesline. Well, I still did those two loads but my son would carry the basket of wet clothes to the line. I would hang the clothes. Once dry, I would take off line and fold. I could carry the basket of dry folded clothes. My hair dresser suggested to get up every morning and continue to put on my make up. Which I did. Each day my feet touched the floor, was a good day.
Take care and best wishes.
Debbie, thank you so much for sharing this with me. I appreciate your kind words. Taking One moment at a time sounds comforting that’s a reminder I will carry with me.
Hi, Paula. I’m back with #95. Hope you are feeling better.
Merry Christmas!
Take care and best wishes.
Merry Christmas, Paula! Thank you for this sound advice to stop, pause, reflect, and refresh. It feels like the Lord is calling us to Himself to be recalibrated. Maybe relubricated so we run better. May the Lord strengthen and encourage you as you pull aside to reflect and be refreshed in His Presence.
Thank you so very much for your kind words sweet friend. “Maybe recalibrated so we run better” makes so much sense. I love refreshing in his presence. {{Hugs}}
Your 4 Encouragements are so perfect. We need all those this time of year especially. Thank you for hosting this great link party! I’ve shared posts 46, 47, and 48 this time and I’m off to see what others have shared. I’ll see you again next week. Thanks again. 🙂
Thanks so much Jen and your so very welcome, it’s such a treasured pleasure to host this wonderful group of friends each month.
I adore sweet tea.
Happy December, Paula! I’m praying that you find the rest needed for this busy season! I so appreciate your words here – stop, pause, reflect and refresh… each so important if we are truly to take in this Holy season and all it offers! Thanks, too, for always providing this space for us to gather and share! Praying that the weeks ahead are filled with abundant blessings!
Happy December Laura! Thanks you for your kind words today. And you’re so very welcome it’s my pleasure to host this wonderful group of friends each month. ❤️
Hi Paula. Fibromyalgia flares and brain fog can really get us down at times. We just have to hang on and hope it passes soon. Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedLinkParty 141. Pinned. Be sure to check out my themed party for All Things Christmas.
Thanks so much for your kind words Dee ❤️
I find the preparation and gift organisation very stressful so I tend to get ready by the end of november, it doesn’t remove the stress but it does mean it’s all out the way before Christmas actually begins and then I can enjoy the countdown to the day.
Thanks for joining in with #pocolo
I used to prep early when my girls were little. I don’t know what happened. You are so welcome I love visiting with friends at #pocolo
Thank you, Paula, for your lovely Christmas writing and link-up. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Debbie and your so very welcome. It’s my treasured pleasure to host this wonderful group of friends. Merry Christmas ♥️
You also have a merry Christmas.
Thank you Theresa ♥️
Thank you Paula for hosting, so happy I found your linkup via GMA’SPHOTO | GE•NER•IC LINKUP PARTY #11
I linked up this week with = 72+73. I hope you will join us M-S SeniorSalonPitStop. You will find it under BLOGGING.
You’re so welcome Esme’
Paula, I hope this note finds you well and with a smile on your face, as we walk closer to Christmas and all the beautiful meanings it has, for each of us. Take care my friend, and thank you for another wonderful visit to Sweet Tea and Friends!
I am well and with a smile on my face. I hope you are well with a smile on your face too. You are so welcome and I love having you visit every month here at my place.
I’m visiting again this week with links 87, 88, and 89. I appreciate your Christmas thoughts here, and I have been reflecting on how beautiful it is that we get a message of LIGHT at this dark season of the year (in the northern half of the world). Merry Christmas! Thanks again for hosting this wonderful linkup.
Thanks so much for joining me here at my place each month. I love having you. I appreciate you and your friendship.
Paula, such good reminders! Your last sentence made me think that’s what we all long for! Merry Christmas to you and many blessings in the New Year.
Thank you Donna. And warm and cozy Merry Christmas wishes to you and your family ❤️
Hi, Paula. I appreciate your visit and participation at Gma’sPhoto ge•ner•ic Linkup Party #12.
Merry Christmas!
It’s my pleasure Debbie. I enjoy visiting at your place.
As much as I enjoy socializing and doing things with my friends and family, I’m much more careful to not fill up my calendar with things I don’t actually WANT to do. I’m more at peace and it helps me focus. Thanks so much for hosting this link-up each month!
That’s wise Kym. I made time for rest and solitude in Jesus. And it really calmed my weary ness.
I always enjoy reading your Blog, friend 🙂
There are many interesting topics, and recipes to contemplate.
I did post a LOT of posts … we have stable internet now 😉
Have a funtastic Holiday!
Thanks bunches Val
Paula, what a December this has been! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful month long opportunity to share and see what others have shared. I hope you have the best (and healthiest!) New Year.
Thank you and your so welcome. I love that you stop by frequently to add new yummies throughout the month.